WIKWEMIKONG–A young Wikwemikong boy was seriously injured on the afternoon of Tuesday, July 22 while travelling home on his bicycle from day of activities at the marina. A truck struck the young boy in what Wikwemikong Tribal Police Chief Gary Reid termed “an unfortunate accident.”
“He is a very lucky young boy,” said the chief, indicating that the incident could have been far more tragic.
High winds on Tuesday afternoon apparently prevented the air ambulance service from being able to transport the injured boy from the Manitoulin Health Centre. Two police cruisers were reported as escorting the ambulance to Sudbury.
An emergency fundraising bingo held in Wikwemikong to assist the child’s parents in covering expenses raised $2,500. “Chi Miigwech to everybody who helped put this amazing emergency bingo together last minute, Shane O’Mac, Joanna Pheasant, Ruby Trudeau, Shelley Ann Trudeau, Wendy Shawana, Amy Assinewai, AngelaPeltier, Cindy Ominika. Chi-miigwech to everybody who donated prizes there was so many donations and baked goods and chili, pies and cash donations,” said Audrey Wemigwans. “All together we raised $2,500 for Ashtin and his parents. This will help them to be with their son in his time of need.”
Ms. Wemigwans noted that the Wikwemikong band assisted with the hall rental and that many family members came forward to assist with the event. “They are the ones who put this together,” she said. “I just came in to help with things later.”
The young boy is currently recovering in hospital in eastern Ontario.
